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      Lewis Hamilton fears ‘different animal’ Red Bull this year with rival F1 team looking to break Mercedes dominance

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      LEWIS HAMILTON believes Red Bull are a “different animal” this year as they look to break Mercedes’ seven-year domination of F1. World champion Hamilton endured a miserable pre-season test as his team suffered reliability issues while he spun twice as he made uncharacteristic errors.
      Lewis Hamilton expects a strong challenge from Red BullCredit: Splash
      Red Bull are likely to be a bigger threat this seasonCredit: Rex
      And the Brit admits their rivals from Milton Keynes could be installed as the bookies’ favourites to win the season opener in Bahrain on March 28th.
      He said: “They can be favourites if they want. I mean, they’re looking strong. I don’t really focus on that kind of stuff and they’ve had some really good running.
      “Both the drivers have been looking quite strong.
      “They’re going to be a different machine or animal this year with a really good, strong line-up for two drivers and a really good car.”
      Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko also was delighted with the team’s trouble-free three-day test as Max Verstappen set the quickest overall time.
      But he is also curious that Mercedes could still turn up with a race-winning car at the opening race of 2021.
      He added: “That was certainly the best test since Red Bull Racing came into existence.
      “Everything worked right from the start but we know that Mercedes is the favourite, and I assume that they drove with much more fuel than we did.

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      “The fact that they didn’t really align with others in terms of fuel load, that already shows that they must have a lot of confidence. So we assume they still have a lot up their sleeves.
      “Mercedes is the favourite and we are the first challenger. That’s how I see the situation.
      “Behind them, it’s going to be a battle. I think McLaren will stand out a bit, but not at the level of Mercedes and us. The midfield is certainly closer together.”
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      Lewis Hamilton ‘a bit grumpy’ during pre-season Sky filming and ‘seemed unhappy’ at Mercedes negotiations More

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      Michael Schumacher’s son Mick reveals he was ‘really scared’ after leaving F1 pitlane with tyre jack still attached

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      HAAS driver Mick Schumacher was ‘really scared’ during a frightening incident in pre-season testing in Bahrain.The son of seven-time world champion Michael, Mick is preparing for his first season in Formula One after winning the 2020 F2 title with Prema Racing.
      Mick Schumacher has spoken of his scary situation during pre-season testing in BahrainCredit: Getty
      Haas driver Schumacher left the pitlane with the jack still attacked to the carCredit: Sky Sports
      The 21-year-old drove 181 laps during his first pre-season testing, but he was involved in a worrying situation towards the end of Saturday’s session.
      Schumacher pitted for a tyre change and after receiving the signal to leave, the youngster then took the jack with him down the pitlane, where thankfully no-one was hurt.
      Quoted by Motorsport-Total, Schumacher said of the incident: “I was really scared because suddenly I didn’t know what was going on, whether I did something wrong or not.
      “In the end, it was a misunderstanding.”
      Haas team principal Guenther Steiner refused to put the blame on the German, as he instead praised him for his strong presence of mind.
      He remarked: “Mick reacted very well. When the radio message came that he should stop, he stopped immediately.
      “This did not cause any damage. I could say now it was part of his training because we have already hit so many pit stops! But it wasn’t like that.”
      Attention has now turned to the Bahrain Grand Prix, with the season’s opening race taking place on March 28.
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      Commenting after testing, Schumacher stated: “A bit sad that it was the last day and the last time driving before the Grand Prix.
      “But nevertheless we have 23 races coming up which is obviously great.
      “We managed to get a lot of laps in, which was good. We had no more issues, which is a bonus, and we’ve managed to catch up for the losses on day one.
      “I’m very impatient and very much looking forward to the season. It can’t come soon enough.
      “I feel very prepared, very ready. Hopefully we can understand every test we’ve done and be able to convert that into performance.”

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      Lewis Hamilton warns Mercedes have ‘lots of work to do’ after spinning out of control in F1 pre-season testing

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      LEWIS HAMILTON has warned Mercedes that they have ‘lots of work to do’ after their dreadful start to the season.The world champion cut a dejected figure this weekend after he spun off in Bahrain and was left stuck in the gravel.
      Lewis Hamilton is gearing up to make his title defence at Bahrain later this monthCredit: Getty
      The world champion spun off and was left stuck in the gravel during testing
      That followed on from Friday’s session where he finished 10th on the timesheets, while his team-mate Valtteri Bottas suffered a gearbox problem.
      It resulted in Mercedes completing fewer miles than any other team when usually they display bullet-proof reliability during testing.
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      Speaking to F1 after the final day, Hamilton said: “I’ve never been a massive fan of testing, I just love racing.
      “On the other end, it might have been good to have had more days.
      “It’s probably the only time I’d have ever asked for more days.”
      Mercedes were the only team who didn’t use their allocated 100km filming day to test their new car.
      And Hamilton, who had two surprising spins over the weekend, admitted the W12 was not yet performing to expectations.
      He added: “We’ve got lots of work to do, it’s going to be tough.”
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      Speaking in a team social media video, Hamilton said: “It does appear we are perhaps not quick enough at the moment, but I have every faith in the team.
      “We love challenges and this definitely is a challenge for us with the [rule] changes.
      “A couple of spins which are rare for me, but generally have been unhappy with the balance of the car and struggled with it. But nonetheless the car is still in one piece and we still got through the programme.”
      Mercedes release video of Lewis Hamilton’s new F1 2021 car which Brit helped engineers build to go for another title More

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      Lewis Hamilton drops hint he will return to live in £18million west London mansion he’s been renovating since 2017

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      LEWIS HAMILTON has dropped a big hint that he could return to the UK to live in London.
      The F1 world champion is renovating an £18million home in west London that he purchased in 2017 but has never moved in.

      Lewis Hamilton could be set to return to his £18million west London mansion

      The seven-time Formula 1 world champion has been renovating the London home since buying it in 2017

      Scaffolding can be seen covering much of the house at the moment

      The Mercedes ace says he still intends to live in Monaco for the time being, insisting his London mansion is all part of his plans for the future.
      He said: “Currently, I have no plans on changing where I live. I live in a dream place that all the other drivers live in too, in Monaco.
      “I do have a home in England, which I am really excited to be finished, so when I do come to England I finally have an anchor.
      “A place to call my own, rather than staying in hotels, which is never particularly enjoyable considering I do that a lot throughout the year.

      “I think it is the start of something great and a place I will naturally have my family come to and maybe, in the future, have a family.”
      Hamilton has been in Bahrain where he has been taking part in preseason testing ahead of the new F1 season, which also kicks off in the Gulf Kingdom on March 28th.
      But it has been far from ideal practice as his Mercedes team have been plagued by reliability and handling issues, while rivals Red Bull look quick.
      Hamilton, who was only fifth quickest yesterday (SUN) on the final day of the three-day test, added: “I think it is better when it doesn’t go smoothly.

      “It’s better that it doesn’t go smooth now and go smooth once we get into the racing season.
      “This is the perfect time for us to find the issues and have the problems. I welcome that.
      “We’re a multi championship-winning team and we know how to pull together and keep our head down and focus on the job but, without doubt, it’s quite impressive to see the speed of some of the other teams.
      “Red Bull are looking particularly strong. And it’s great to see McLaren, also looking strong and also Alpine, so I’m excited. That means more fun.
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      Hamilton struggled during the F1 testing weekend as he looks to clinch an eighth world titleCredit: AFP or Licensors
      “[Red Bull] are going to be a different machine or animal this year, with I think, a real good, strong lineup of the two drivers and, I think, a really good car.
      “You can only assume they’re going to be right there at the front at the first race and it’s going to be a great long battle with them throughout the year.”
      Hamilton is coming into this new season in search of an eighth world title that would move him clear of the joint-record he holds with Michael Schumacher.
      But he will do it without the help of his right-hand man, former racer and advisor, Marc Hynes while he searches for a replacement.
      Speaking of their amicable split, Hamilton said: “Marc is one of my best friends and he is moving on to do some other great things.
      “We had an amazing partnership together and I am really proud of the work we achieved.
      “I am going through some restructuring now moving forwards and have some plans I am working on in the future.
      “There will be someone potentially for the short term and I will figure it out as I go along.”

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      Lewis Hamilton reveals impact Murray Walker had on him as kid and hopes to live as long as commentator after death at 97

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      LEWIS HAMILTON says Murray Walker was TV’s best ever commentator.
      The F1 legend passed away on Saturday, aged 97, after spending over half a century commentating on the sport.

      Lewis Hamilton pictured with Murray Walker as a child

      Walker was known across the world for his enthusiasm behind the mic as he brought motoracing to life in his own unique way.
      Hamilton said: “I remember hearing his iconic voice. Growing up watching all the grand prix, he really made the sport exciting.
      “There has been no one like him on TV. Even without watching the TV if you are out of the room, you hear him excited and it makes you want to run back in and see what’s happening.
      “He was very much loved around the world I think, obviously in the UK. I think his contribution to the sport is huge and with me growing up watching him through the early days of my life and hearing him, no one can come close.

      “It is sad to hear of his passing but I think he has had a long, great life. I hope I have the opportunity to live the long life he has.”
      Highly excitable, Walker became a household name – fondly remembered for his mistakes as much as his delivery.
      F1 stars paid tribute to the Brit during preseason testing on Sunday in Bahrain, where a banner was revealed by F1 in his honour.
      Walker is synonymous with a number of Murrayisims, while his commentary when Damon Hill won the title in 1996 was pure emotion.

      F1 legend Murray Walker died aged 97 on SaturdayCredit: Reuters

      Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button being interviewed by Murray Walker in 2010Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      He choked back the tears in Suzuka and famously said… ‘and I’ve got to stop because I have a lump in my throat’ when Hill crossed the line.
      Hill said yesterday: “Sadly, now it is us that has a lump in their throats.
      “It has reminded us of what he has contributed in F1 and a reminder to ourselves of what we can achieve if we open up our enthusiasm.
      “The gentleman and the man of his age came across. He was proud to be British and fought in the Second World War.
      “There was that lovely slightly gentlemanly club about him, but he was also very open minded.
      “Let’s keep celebrating his life. Everyone in Formula One had a great relationship with him.”
      Red Bull boss, Christian Horner, added: “I grew up listening to Murray and he was a legend.

      Murray Walker was an icon with the mic in hand during his careerCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd

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      “He is one of those guys, when you meet one of your heroes, he didn’t let you down. He was just brilliant.
      “I remember him prodding Nigel Mansell in the head when he bumped his head in Hungary.
      “I was fortunate to get to know him a little bit. He had the classic commentators’ curse, in fact, he probably invented it! He was such an infectious character.”

      Legendary F1 commentator Murray Walker has died aged 97 More

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      Murray Walker funniest quotes – including his F1 classic line ‘there’s nothing wrong with the car except it’s on fire’

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      MURRAY WALKER, the voice of Formula 1, produced some of the greatest ever lines in sporting commentary.
      The motorsport legend, who passed away at the age of 97 on Saturday, is responsible for countless iconic quotes during his storied broadcasting career.

      Tributes poured in for Walker on Saturday after his death was announcedCredit: Reuters

      Here are just 20 of the best lines from a commentating icon.
      “There’s nothing wrong with the car except it’s on fire.”
      “You can cut the tension with a cricket stump.”
      “With half the race gone there is half the race to go.”

      “IF is a very long word in Formula One; in fact, IF is F1 spelled backwards.”
      “I imagine the conditions in those cars are totally unimaginable.”
      “Even in five years time, he will still be four years younger than Damon Hill.”
      “Either that car is stationary or it’s on the move.”

      Walker received an OBE in 1996 for his services to broadcasting and motorsportCredit: Reuters
      “That’s history. I say history because it happened in the past.”
      “Do my eyes deceive me or is Senna’s car sounding a bit rough?”
      “There are seven winners of the Monaco Grand Prix on the starting line today, and four of them are Michael Schumacher.”
      “And the first five places are filled with five different cars.”
      “The lead car is unique, except for the one behind it which is identical.”

      “And this is the third-placed car about to lap the second-placed car.”
      “And now, excuse me while I interrupt myself.”
      “The battle is well and truly on if it wasn’t on before, and it certainly was.”
      “You might not think that’s cricket, and it’s not, it’s motor racing.””Two laps to go, then the action will begin. Unless this is the action, which it is.”
      “I’m going for first,” (Explaining away a British Touring car driver putting up his middle finger).
      Murray: “There’s a firey glow coming from the back of the Ferrari!” – James Hunt: “No Murray, that’s his rear safety light.”
      “I want to say so much more than I have time for.”

      Legendary F1 commentator Murray Walker has died aged 97 More

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      Murray Walker’s energy and enthusiasm lit up living rooms on Sundays and his famous ‘Murrayisms’ will live on forever

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      “GO, GO, GO!”
      It was an unmistakable start to any F1 Grands Prix from THE voice of motorsport, Murray Walker.

      Iconic motor racing commentator Murray Walker has died aged 97Credit: Times Newspapers Ltd

      His enthusiasm for racing lit up living rooms across the UK on Sunday afternoons.
      His voice broke with excitement and amplified the pictures being beamed out of the television set.
      At times, he was over-excited and it led to the famous ‘Murrayisms’ we have come to love, as his hurried sentences became tangled up as his mouth moved quicker than his brain.
      And then there was the raw emotion, unlike what we see with today’s polished broadcasters.

      His commentary when Damon Hill won the F1 world title in 1996 will live long in the memory.
      To replay it now, it brings back all the emotion of that day at the Japanese GP at Suzuka.
      “He took the lead,” he says. “He stayed there. And Damon Hill exits the chicane and wins the Japanese Grand Prix.
      “And I’ve got to stop. Because I’ve got a lump in my throat.”

      Rest in Peace Murray Walker. His commentary when Damon Hill won the World Championship in 1996 is still one of Sports most iconic moments for me. #F1 pic.twitter.com/v3kDrFrDUV
      — Curls (@Baramenyn_) March 13, 2021

      Thousands of tributes poured in for the iconic commentatorCredit: Splash News

      Walker’s ‘Murrayisms’ made him a household name in the UKCredit: Splash News

      It was rare for Walker to be lost for words in the commentary box alongside James Hunt, who was F1 world champion in 1976, and later Martin Brundle.
      Walker was born in 1923 and his father Graham raced motorcycles and after a stint in the tank regiment during the war, Walker also tried his hand at racing.
      But his true talent remained behind the microphone after turning his back on a career in advertising.
      Walker had a gift for resonating with the public.
      During his marketing career, he headed up the team that came up with the ‘a Mars a day helps you work rest and play’ slogan.
      He’s also credited with the ‘Opal Fruits: made to make your mouth water’ tagline.
      But his calling was at the racetrack and he was given his first chance at the 1949 British Grand Prix at Silverstone.
      Walker was made full-time in 1978 at the BBC and headed up their coverage before shifting across to ITV before he retired in 2001.
      Whenever he commentated, Walker stood up, which allowed him to amplify his excitement and made his style famous across the world.
      He was endearing, engaging and commanded the respect of all the drivers on the grid, striking up friendships with them.

      FAMOUS ‘MURRAYISMS’

      “There’s nothing wrong with the car except it’s on fire”
      “With half the race gone there is half the race to go”
      “I imagine the conditions in those cars are totally unimaginable”
      “Either that car is stationary or it’s on the move”
      “Do my eyes deceive me or is Senna’s car sounding a bit rough?”
      “And the first five places are filled with five different cars”
      “And this is the third-placed car about to lap the second-placed car”
      “The battle is well and truly on if it wasn’t on before, and it certainly was”
      “Two laps to go, then the action will begin. Unless this is the action, which it is”
      “It’s a sad ending, albeit a happy one, here at Montreal for today’s Grand Prix”
      “Andrea de Cesaris, the man who has won more grandS prix than anyone else without actually winning one”
      “And now excuse me while I interrupt myself!”
      “The young Ralf Schumacher has been upstaged by teenager Jenson Button, who is 20”
      “It would have been Senna’s third win in a row if he’d won the two before”
      “I’m ready to stop my start watch”

      Walker was well liked by almost everyone within F1Credit: Rex Features
      Walker was also down to earth with a fantastic sense of humor.
      His Pizza Hut advert with Hill is still fantastic to this day, while there is also a clip of him commentating on snooker (below) which is worth a watch.
      After retiring from the commentary booth, he still did occasional F1 work with the BBC and wrote a column on their website.
      Walker continued to watch F1 and always displayed the same enthusiasm, despite dialling back his appearances following a cancer diagnosis in 2013.
      His last media interview was in a podcast with the Australian GP last summer in which he praised Lewis Hamilton as the greatest.
      Last August when he asked who the best driver was, Walker said: “I’m going to have to say very shortly Lewis Hamilton, because if you look at it in terms of statistics, he’s already got more poles than Michael Schumacher.
      “But he’s also in my opinion — and this is very contentious indeed — better than either Michael Schumacher or Ayrton Senna because both of them adopted, at various times in their career, highly debatable driving tactics.
      “Lewis Hamilton has never been anything like that. He’s always driven as clean as a whistle.”
      That’s Murray, telling it like it is.
      His errors, of course, made him famous yet the warmth he shared with the British public saw that reciprocated when perhaps others would have been criticised.
      To use a phrase synonymous with the great commentator, unless I am very much mistaken, he was truly one of a kind.

      Murray Walker could make ANYTHING exciting with his eccentric commentary style. This is one of my favourites – snooker! “He’s missed it, he’s missed it, FANTASTIC!!” pic.twitter.com/KQcg5iqN2A
      — Paul McGinnes 🏁 (@PaulMcG92) March 13, 2021

      He was popular with drivers and media colleagues alikeCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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      Murray Walker tributes LIVE: Murray Walker mourned after death of F1 commentator as motorsport pays tribute – latest

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      Motorsport is mourning the death off legendary F1 commentator Murray Walker, who has passed away at the age of 97.
      Tributes for the broadcasting icon have been pouring in as Silverstone managing director Stuart Pringle said: “He was to so many of us fans of F1 the voice that epitomised the sport we love.”

      Follow ALL of the latest updates below…

      ‘SO SAD’
      British superstar Lewis Hamilton has added his words to the growing list of tributes to Murray Walker.
      The world champ called him an icon and a great man.

      So sad to hear of Murray’s passing. I remember growing up hearing your voice over the races. You made the sport so much more exciting and captivating. The iconic voice of our sport and a great man, thank you for all you did, you will never be forgotten. Rest in peace🙏🏾
      — Lewis Hamilton (@LewisHamilton) March 13, 2021

      ‘JOYOUS MEMORIES’
      BBC presenter Gabby Logan had some very touching words about Walker saying no one on earth would have anything other than ‘joyous memories’ of meeting the famous commentator.

      There is not a human on this earth who met Murray Walker who would have anything other than joyous memories and smiles thinking of their time. That voice, that turn of phrase and that enthusiasm for his passions and his life, he was a very special man. #ripmurraywalker
      — Gabby Logan (@GabbyLogan) March 13, 2021

      ‘UNFORGETTABLE’
      Williams Racing team described Walker as ‘unforgettable’ and said his passion for F1 was ‘infectious’ as they added to the thousands of people offering tributes.

      We are truly saddened to hear of Murray Walker’s passing.Murray was the voice of @F1 for so many, and provided unforgettable commentary on many of this team’s most iconic moments. His passion for the sport was infectious, and never failed to make people smile. pic.twitter.com/YjN8nfSuia
      — Williams Racing (@WilliamsRacing) March 13, 2021

      ‘IT WAS AN HONOUR’
      Sky lead F1 commentator David Croft also described what it was like to work alongside Walker in his own emotional tribute online.
      Croft described him as a ‘gentleman’ and a ‘legend’.

      Rest in Peace Murray Walker, a gentleman and a legend in every sense of the word. It was an honour to know you, a delight to spend time in your company and inspiring to listen and learn from you. THE voice of Formula 1 and always will be. Thankyou xx
      — David Croft (@CroftyF1) March 13, 2021

      ‘PART OF OUR HISTORY’
      Formula One posted their own tribute in line with the thousands of others that have emerged this afternoon.
      And the organisation credited Walker for being ‘part of our history’.

      We are immensely sad to hear that Murray Walker has passed awayHis passion and love of the sport inspired millions of fans around the worldHe will forever be a part of our history, and will be dearly missed pic.twitter.com/cMwLjjqxAj
      — Formula 1 (@F1) March 13, 2021

      ‘LEGEND WILL NEVER DIE’
      British former world champion Damon Hill was the subject of Walker’s most famous commentary moment.
      And the driver turned pundit was one of the first to pay tribute after news of Walker’s death was announced.

      ‘AN ABSOLUTE GENTLEMAN’
      Walker previously worked for Channel 4 and they posted some touching words online describing him as a ‘complete professional’ and a ‘total pleasure to work with’.

      Terribly sad news that Murray Walker has passed away. An absolute gentleman, complete professional and a total pleasure to both work and spend time with. Rest in Peace, Murray. pic.twitter.com/3SZm2OR93J
      — Channel 4 F1® (@C4F1) March 13, 2021

      ‘HE’S MISSED IT! FANTASTIC!’
      As well as being the voice of F1, fans and colleagues alike have been quick to point to Walker’s infectious personality.
      And this clip from an interview with Jeremy Clarkson shows just how popular he was away from the track.

      Murray Walker could make ANYTHING exciting with his eccentric commentary style. This is one of my favourites – snooker! “He’s missed it, he’s missed it, FANTASTIC!!” pic.twitter.com/KQcg5iqN2A
      — Paul McGinnes 🏁 (@PaulMcG92) March 13, 2021

      ‘I’VE GOT A LUMP IN MY THROAT’
      Many F1 fans labelled Walker’s commentary of Damon Hill’s 1996 World Championship win ‘one of sport’s most iconic moments’.
      Walker famously had to stop talking as Hill crossed the line because he was so emotional seeing his fellow Brit claim glory.

      Rest in Peace Murray Walker. His commentary when Damon Hill won the World Championship in 1996 is still one of Sports most iconic moments for me. #F1 pic.twitter.com/v3kDrFrDUV
      — Curls (@Baramenyn_) March 13, 2021

      …
      But Walker’s calling was beyond the boardroom and back at the race tracks when he still spent his time at the weekend.
      Working across many different series, he eventually got his shot in F1, when he gave his first commentary, fittingly it was the 1949 British GP at Silverstone.
      He eventually got the gig full time at the BBC in 1978 and was lead commentator until the broadcaster lost the rights to ITV in 1997.
      Walker also jumped ship and continued to commentate until the 2001 United States Grand Prix.
      Walker would still do regular TV work for F1. In 2015, he presented an F1 show with Suzi Perry while in 2016 he joined Channel 4’s coverage.

      WAR STORIES
      In an interview with the Guardian in 2007, Walker said: “I was in a tank regiment during the war.
      “When I came out I had delusions of grandeur that I would be able to show my father how a motorcycle should really be raced.
      “I was all right, but I wasn’t good enough to satisfy myself because I had started in business and I was doing fairly well.
      “I obviously wasn’t committed because the business won the day and the hobby didn’t because I think I knew in my heart of hearts that I wouldn’t be top man.”
      Instead, Walker carved out a career in advertising and headed up the team that came up with the ‘a Mars a day helps you work rest and play’ slogan.
      He also is credited with coining the ‘Opal Fruits: made to make your mouth water’ marketing tagline…

      MURRAY WALKER – DEAD AT 97
      By SunSport’s F1 correspondent Ben Hunt
      Murray Walker the legendary F1 commentator, has passed away at the age of 97.
      The Brit was THE voice of motorsport and headed up the UK’s F1 coverage from 1976 until 2001.
      Walker was known for his enthusiasm and was a true gent and will be fondly remembered for his humorous slip-ups, dubbed ‘Murrayisms’.
      A statement from F1 said: “We are immensely sad to hear that Murray Walker has passed away.
      “His passion and love of the sport inspired millions of fans around the world. He will forever be a part of our history, and will be dearly missed.”
      Born in 1923, Walker was surrounded by racing as his father, Graham, raced motorcycles for Rudge, Sunbeam and Norton. He spent most weekends growing up at race tracks watching his father compete before trying to race himself while juggling a career in advertising.

      Murray Walker has died aged 97Credit: Rex Features

      ‘PASSION AND POSITIVITY’
      Lewis Hamilton’s Mercedes team said Murray Walker’s attitude towards F1 was unmatched.

      He was the voice of @F1 to millions and his love, passion and positivity for our sport were unmatched.You will be truly missed, Murray Walker ❤️ pic.twitter.com/mXVDID6GdS
      — Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team (@MercedesAMGF1) March 13, 2021

      ‘THE VOICE OF FORMULA ONE’
      Gary Lineker described Walker as a broadcasting great in his own touching tribute to the ‘voice of F1’.

      Saddened to hear that Murray Walker has passed away. A true broadcasting great and very much the voice of Formula 1 on @BBCSport for decades. The chequered flag may have been waved for the final time but he’ll always be remembered. RIP Murray.
      — Gary Lineker 💙 (@GaryLineker) March 13, 2021

      ‘NATION’S FAVOURITE’
      The British Racing Drivers’ Club announced the sad news slightly more than one hour ago and described him as a ‘motorsport legend’.

      It’s with great sadness we share the news of the passing of BRDC Associate Member Murray Walker OBE.A friend, a true motorsport legend, the nations favourite commentator and a contagious smile.We thank Murray for all he has done for our community.RIP our friend. pic.twitter.com/3Of3Ia3nMB
      — BRDC (@BRDCSilverstone) March 13, 2021

      ‘SPARKLE AND PRIDE’
      Former F1 presenter Jake Humphrey has added to the thousands of touching messages being posted online about iconic commentator Walker.
      The BT Sport frontman described Walker as ‘setting the standard’.

      Just weeks ago I spoke to Murray Walker on the phone. He was in a residential home, hating getting older. However, I could hear the sparkle and pride in his voice when we spoke about @LewisHamilton’s 7th title.Murray set the standard. I’m honoured to call him a friend. RIP ❤️ pic.twitter.com/d77kgLcW9Z
      — Jake Humphrey 💙 (@mrjakehumphrey) March 13, 2021

      ‘KNOWLEDGEABLE BEYOND WORDS’
      The home of British F1 Silverstone has also tweeted their own tribute to the legendary commentator.
      Silverstone’s managing director Stuart Pringle’s message was posted on their Twitter account.

      “It is with great sadness that I have to inform Silverstone’s fans that Murray Walker died earlier today. He was to so many of us fans of F1, the voice that epitomised the sport we love. pic.twitter.com/sllG6Hhzx1
      — Silverstone (@SilverstoneUK) March 13, 2021

      Much will be written about the impact that Murray had on the sport and we will make a more fulsome tribute in due course, but for the time being rest in peace Murray and thank you.” – Stuart Pringle, Managing Director
      — Silverstone (@SilverstoneUK) March 13, 2021

      RIP MURRAY
      Former driver and F1 commentator Martin Brundle was one of the first to pay tribute to Murray Walker who has died aged 97.
      The 61-year-old called Walker a ‘wonderful man’ and a ‘national treasure’.

      Rest in Peace Murray Walker. Wonderful man in every respect. National treasure, communication genius, Formula One legend.
      — Martin Brundle 💙 (@MBrundleF1) March 13, 2021

      DAY TWO IS DONE – MERCEDES ARE BACK IN BUSINESS
      Valtteri Bottas tops the timesheets on the softest tyre. It looks as though Mercedes’ problems are over.Excellent work from Pierre Gasly once again as we are now two thirds through testing.Aston Martin and McLaren will also be pleased with their second day performances.Lando Norris’s time was set on the medium tyres while Daniel Ricciardo looked strong in the morning.As for concerns, Ferrari don’t look particularly strong and Carlos Sainz is not yet up to speed.Fernando Alonso was down in 10th in his return for Alpine while Haas look like they could struggle with their battle with Williams.
      Bottas – 1:30.289Gasly +0.1Stroll +0.1Norris +0.2Giovinazzi +0.4Leclerc +0.5Latifi +1.3Perez +1.3Ricciardo +1.9Alonso +2.0Tsunoda +2.3Schumacher +2.5Sainz +2.7Mazepin +2.8Hamilton +3.1Vettel +8.5

      BOTTAS NOW GOES QUICKEST
      Mercedes are back on top. After a tricky two days, the Finn has now popped to the top of the timesheets.He’s completed 53 laps and is trying to make up for lost time.

      IT HAS TAKEN TWO DAYS BUT FINALLY MERCEDES SHOW THEIR PACE
      Valtteri Bottas goes into the top four and has now completed 39 laps.After a difficult start where the Finn has a gearbox issue, Mercedes now look like they are back on track.

      RED FLAG – SESSION STOPPED
      The engine cover from Sergio Perez’s Red Bull has come loose and broken on track.The session has been stopped while the marshals recover some of the debris.Red Bull will now need to find out what caused that failure while they fix the new cover in place.

      RELIABILITY IS LOOKING GOOD
      Aside from the gearbox failures on Bottas and Vettel’s cars, there has been a refreshing about of reliability.Yes, much of the aero parts are carried over, but the news power units all look rather strong this year.Remember, teams only allowed to use three engines this season without penalty.

      SOLID FROM ALPHATAURI AND ALFA ROMEO
      The Red Bull B team finished 2020 so strongly and this year they are boosted by a new Honda engine, which has been rushed through ahead of schedule.They are looking quick and reliable out on track and stepping out from Red Bull’s shadow.Alfa Romeo’s Antonio Giovinazzi is also enjoying himself. Currently fourth quickest on track and having done 93 laps.

      “PROMISING SIGNS” FOR FERRARI
      CHARLES LECLERC is confident Ferrari are showing “promising signs” as they look to bounce back from last season.The Italian team endured their worst finish in forty years as they were sixth in the constructors’ championship.But after a winter of tweaking their car design, Leclerc says they are making improvements.He said: “The impressions were good again. Yesterday we went through all the programme in the morning, but the conditions are very very tricky.”It’s very warm, and very windy, so it’s very difficult to make a comparison with last year for now.”And it’s all relative to the others: how much they improved compared to us.”But yeah, there are some promising signs, but we can’t know until the first qualifying.”The big issue Ferrari faced last year was their under-strength engine, which Leclerc was also an improvement this season.He added: “Everything feels quite good. But again, it’s very difficult to comment now, nobody’s pushing everything to its limit, especially in these conditions.”So for now it’s early days. But everything feels good and, as I said, stacks up with what we expected.”

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